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Practice Guide iconPractice Guide
Released: April 2015
(Revised January 2019)
Summary document (2.7 MB)
Full Guide (10.8 MB)
Teaching Strategies for Improving Algebra Knowledge in Middle and High School Students
This practice guide provides three recommendations for teaching algebra to students in middle school and high school. Each recommendation includes implementation steps and solutions for common roadblocks. The recommendations also summarize and rate supporting evidence. This guide is geared toward teachers, administrators, and other educators who want to improve their students’ algebra knowledge.
1
Minimal Evidence

Use solved problems to engage students in analyzing algebraic reasoning and strategies.

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2
Minimal Evidence

Teach students to utilize the structure of algebraic representations.

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3
Moderate Evidence

Teach students to intentionally choose from alternative algebraic strategies when solving problems.

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Topics: Grades:
Audience:
  • Administrators
  • Researchers
  • School Specialist
  • Teacher

This practice guide was prepared for the WWC by Mathematica under contract ED-IES-13-C-0010.

The following research staff contributed to the guide: Pia Caronongan, Joshua Furgeson, Betsy Keating, and Julia Lyskawa.

  • Jon R. Star (Chair)
    Harvard University
  • Anne Foegen
    Iowa State University
  • Matthew R. Larson
    Lincoln Public Schools
  • William G. McCallum
    University of Arizona
  • Jane Porath
    Traverse City Area Public Schools
  • Rose Mary Zbiek
    Pennsylvania State University
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Video
Teaching Strategies for Improving Algebra Knowledge in Middle and High School Students: Practice Guide Overview Video (3:58 minutes)
January 1, 2019

Play an interview with Josh Furgeson on the Teaching Strategies for Improving Algebra Knowledge in Middle and High School Students Practice Guide.
Video
About the Levels of Evidence
April 11, 2017

This practice guide provides three recommendations for teaching algebra to students in middle school and high school. Each recommendation includes implementation steps and solutions for common roadblo...
Guide
ePub: Teaching Strategies for Improving Algebra Knowledge in Middle and High School Students
April 1, 2015

Download the EPUB (3.7 MB) or MOBI (5.9 MB) e-book format to view the practice guide on a smartphone, tablet, Nook, or Kindle.

The practice guide is accompanied by a practice guide summary and companion videos. The guide is also available in e-book format. Click below to access any of the available resources.

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